Starting By Midseason
May 9th, 2016
“Custodian of Canton” weighs in.
In a recent interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht noted second round pick Noah Spence is no outside linebacker.
In fact, Licht stated without hesitation that Spence is a defensive end “all the way.”
But in the same interview, Licht admitted Spence’s rush defense will not remind anyone of Michael Bennett. So for the time being, Spence is a passing-down player only.
At some point, unless he is a kicker, a second-round pick cannot be a part-time player, unless this Spence starts racking up J.J. Watt-like sack numbers.
Spence won’t be a starting defense end right away but that will change soon, said the “Custodian of Canton,” eye-RAH! Kaufman. The former NFL writer for the Tampa Tribune and Olivia Stacey recorded a podcast just hours before Kaufman’s newspaper was taken over Tuesday. The podcast never made it to TBO.com, but Stacey Twittered out the audio.
While reviewing the Bucs’ draft, Kaufman predicted Spence to win a starting job by midseason.
“I think scouts are very divided on Spence,” Kaufman said. “While some are worried about his off-the-field incidents in his past, they all acknowledge that he has got outstanding pass rush instincts. [The Bucs] haven’t had a double-digit sacker in a decade. That’s a long way to determining their losing records over the years. Let’s face it, we don’t care what kind of secondary you have. You have to pressure the Drew Breeses of the world. He’s had way too much time against the Bucs the past 10 years carving them up.
“Look, I would not be shocked if Spence beats out Robert Ayers, the big free agent offseason addition [or] Jacquies Smith and earns a starting job by midseason. I don’t think they are going to rush the kid. He didn’t play the greatest competition at Eastern Kentucky though he put up big numbers.”
For Spence to start, he’s really going to have to improve his run defense, either that, or he becomes a complete and total beast rushing the passer, where the Bucs simply cannot afford to pull him off the field.
Either way, if Spence is starting by November, then that’s a win-win for the Bucs and for Spence.
May 9th, 2016 at 9:07 am
Rookie DE’s never put up big sack numbers. We need to temper expectations until year 2 even though we are starving for a 10 plus sack season.
May 9th, 2016 at 9:11 am
Joe…I have been curious for about a week now. Perhaps you can help me.
Is Ira still the “Custodian of Canton” now that he’s unemployed?
If they need a new one I recommend that Steve guy that’s running JBF.
May 9th, 2016 at 9:14 am
Get’em Spawn..
May 9th, 2016 at 9:15 am
I don’t care about the number I care about the impact !
For a sack or an interception, the timing is what matter to me, is it a statistic addition or a real disruption in the opponent momentum ?
If our defence is able to produce real significant disruption actions, then it’s fine for me.
May 9th, 2016 at 9:33 am
He gets 5.5 sacks his rookie season, I’ll be plenty pleased. If so, and he stays healthy, we can expect 12 sacks in 2017. NICE!!!!
May 9th, 2016 at 9:50 am
Jac gets 12 sacks this season…
Spence gets 5 and will start about midseason…
May 9th, 2016 at 10:01 am
I bet Noah Spence (6-2 251) is no worse than Howard Jones (6-4 238) or even Jacquies Smith (6-2 260) when it comes to defending against the run. Robert Ayers (6-3 275) and William Gholston (6-6 281) are our best run defending DE’s. I bet Spence and Smith end up in a rotation at left defensive end. I still want to see on a 3rd down and long Jacquies Smith – Gerold McCoy – Robert Ayers – Noah Spence.
May 9th, 2016 at 10:11 am
To start or not is highly over rated. It’s how many plays you’re on the field total and for many in the 4th qtr and at critical times. Every team uses a rotation for their defensive linemen. It’s about how many impact plays you make while you’re in there.!!!
May 9th, 2016 at 10:26 am
I predict Smith moves Ayers inside next to McCoy on passing downs, and the front four will be Smith, McCoy, Ayers and Spence.
May 9th, 2016 at 10:49 am
Can we acknowledge here that Jacquies Smith is also pretty useless against the run? As was Simeon Rice…
If they’re starting Gholston and Ayers on the ends, then I’ll believe that it makes a difference to them. A lot of 4-3 teams have a right end who is a three down player and their sole job is to go get the QB. Jared Allen couldn’t stop the run…neither could Dwight Freeney…that’s why you’ve got Lavonte David behind him.
May 9th, 2016 at 10:52 am
@ ATrain
Jac will be lucky if he plays in 12 games.
May 9th, 2016 at 11:57 am
a lot of love for Smith who like ASJ can’t stay healthy. Jac Smith another nice story but nothing more until he can play consistently at a high level. Smith gets blown up in the run game far to easy to be an every down starter. I wish him well but let’s be real he’s not the savior or future at de.
May 9th, 2016 at 12:26 pm
“At some point, unless he is a kicker, a second-round pick cannot be a part-time player,……..”
Does the Offense or Defence stay on the field 100% of the time ? (Noooo)
Probably see more on filed time than ASJ has.
May 9th, 2016 at 12:59 pm
Well Briandorry time will tell…
I think there is an energy in the Bucs House that has not been there. This coach is going to let these guys loose and they will rain terror on other offenses..
Lets watch and see…Only a prediction…..
LVD and Kwon will be AWESOME THIS YEAR>>>>
May 9th, 2016 at 4:33 pm
Spence is going to do well. He has quite a few NFL coaching techniques he’s gotta learn. And learn them he will. I betcha Spence is a starter at least by game 6. Once they see he will not be denied, he’s gonna put up big sack numbers. Give him a little time though.
May 9th, 2016 at 6:25 pm
I didn’t realize Ira was the owner of the Tribune……